Snowmobile trails are officially open for the season in the Allegheny National Forest in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announces the opening of snowmobile season at 8:00 a.m. on December 16, 2024, in Allegheny National Forest. Snowmobile trails will remain open until 12:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025. These dates are chosen for public safety, occurring after the regular firearms deer hunting season.
The snowmobile trail map is available on the ANF website.
Sufficient snowfall is needed for the trails to be usable. Maintained snowmobile trails will not be groomed until adequate snow accumulates. For up-to-date trail conditions please refer to the Pennsylvania Trail Conditions on the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association’s website and social media.
All winter recreationists in the forest should be aware of the following for the 2024-2025 winter season.
In Allegheny National Forest, there are approximately 365 miles of suggested snowmobile routes, and when conditions permit another 52 miles of trail used for both snowmobiles and ATV/OHMs. Multiple user groups enjoy the winter trails, and everyone is asked to exercise caution as trail users may encounter log trucks and other motor vehicles, groomers, snowshoers, dogsled teams, hikers, and cross-country skiers at any time.
Trail users are reminded to:
Established in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, the forest is comprised of 514,029 acres in the northwestern corner of the state. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures a vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits.
Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast.
The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.